Meet Brooklynd Turner | Artist + Muralist, Designer & Art Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brooklynd Turner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brooklynd, can you tell us about an impactful book you’ve read and why you liked it or what impact it had on you?
Two books that shaped my approach to understanding and creating art are Feeling Beauty: The Neuroscience of Aesthetic Experience by G. Gabrielle Starr and The Feeling Brain: The Biology and Psychology of Emotions by Elizabeth Johnston & Leah Olson. I find comfort in reading books that explore and map Neurological Processes because it provides a compass for creative decision-making. Visual communication is a critical part of my job as an Illustrator, and I can’t always predict the perceptions or interpretations of my audience. I learned that most often- viewers do not know why certain works of art have a deep impact on their hearts. It feels ‘magic’ when the art conjures a feeling, and ‘bad’ if it misses the mark. When I try to ask why, often the reaction is it’s just a, ‘gut feeling’, which is challenging as the creator who wants feedback and to continue making impactful pieces. That lead me to researching on my own, and realizing that part of the ‘magic’ is real. However, I can make science-influenced sensory considerations of color, imagery, and scale with that help bring it to light.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
As an Abstract-Realism artist, I believe incorporation of traditional drawing sets me apart from others. I combine recognizable animals, humans, or objects with borderline supernatural atmospheric color to emphasize an emotion. It starts in my Fine Art, but seeps into Murals and Designs as well. Devotion to drawing-centric works takes time, patience, and humility that many artists do not choose to pursue as part of their processes or manifestos. I do not say that as a criticism! I am glad we all have different goals as Artists, the variety helps collectors and clients choose their best match. I want businessowners and collectors to know that calculated risk-taking is good. I have learned that in the beginning, many clients are nervous about commissioning a Mural, Art for their space, or branding. It can take time to see the impact, but is a worthy endeavor for articulating the intention of your business, ambiance of your home, or spreading love and support. Trust and collaboration with creative minds is key, and everyone grows in the end. I contribute much of my success to making sure my clients have peace of mind. It is important for a freelance artist to be talented and confident, but meeting deadlines, briefs, and mastering logistics of bringing concepts to reality is make-or-break. I have worked on a wide variety of projects and am able to give my clients a solid plan for art, install, and production. They love not having to worry about it, and I love doing it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For Art: If WAAS Gallery is having an event or activation, definitely stop by! DMA, Nasher, and Tin. For Food: I have to shoutout my clients! I design for 8Cloves Indian Restaurant and JuiceBabe at the Dallas Farmer’s Market- which is a fun spot fun to walk around on the weekend and find local vendors. I also worked with Ame in Bishop Arts, a beautiful French-Indian fusion restaurant in a cool developing shopping area. For views: Definitely go for a bike ride around White Rock Lake, you will find Santa Fe Trail which connects to Deep Ellum. You can check out more awesome murals and restaurants there as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Brandy Michele Adams, the owner of WAAS Gallery. She originally hired me as a designer and muralist, but we quickly became friends and a creative duo. She trusted me to rebrand the gallery, promoted me to Art Director, and taught me about building an artistic career in Dallas. WAAS (We Are All Stars) is a female-focused Gallery + Agency in South Dallas. Brandy works endlessly to give womxn a platform for immersive artistic expression, equal opportunity for exposure, and income for their talent.

Website: www.brooklynd.com

Instagram: @lilfinehoney

Image Credits
I am going to email more images of my work, the uploader is having trouble. First image credit: BT’s Soul-Bean. Second image: Deep Ellum Foundation Staff.